H.E. Paul Kagame hails Gianni Infantino as he marks 10 years at FIFA helm

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has paid glowing tribute to FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he marks ten years in office, applauding what he describes as a decade of reform, inclusion and restored confidence in global football governance.

Infantino, who assumed office in February 2016, reaches the milestone with what Kagame believes is a transformed FIFA – one that has expanded opportunities for nations across all confederations while strengthening development structures worldwide.

“Football should stand for equal opportunity,” Kagame said, commending the introduction of initiatives such as the FIFA Series, which Rwanda is set to host this year.

The competition is designed to give national teams broader international exposure and a stronger global footprint.

According to Kagame, such initiatives reflect Infantino’s commitment to inclusivity and competitive balance in world football.

The Rwandan leader also pointed to the expansion of the FIFA World Cup as one of the defining achievements of Infantino’s presidency.

The 2026 tournament – to be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico – will feature 48 teams for the first time in history.

The expanded format increases Africa’s representation significantly, offering more nations from the continent the chance to compete on the biggest stage.

“Because of this, we will see more African countries represented, giving our continent the global stage that our immense talent truly deserves,” Kagame noted.

He added that the reforms implemented over the past decade demonstrate FIFA’s renewed focus on transparency, development and global unity.

“FIFA has always been a bridge between athletes, communities and cultures from all over the world,” Kagame said.

“The progress made in the last ten years shows the commitment to restoring trust and confidence in the global governance of football.”

As Infantino celebrates a decade in charge, Kagame’s endorsement underscores the growing support for FIFA’s development-driven agenda, particularly across Africa, where expanded access, infrastructure investment and competitive opportunities continue to reshape the football landscape.